Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013
57. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost savings he will make in 2013 in charging the full cost of private care in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40051/13]
View answerThe details of the new in-patient charges are set out in the Health (Amendment) Act 2013. As a result of the discussions my Department has had with the private insurance industry, in order to agree a phasing in of the charges for all private patients, including those who occupy public beds, I have decided to implement these charges from 1 January 2014. It is expected that the new in-patient charges will generate an additional €30 million in revenue in 2014 for public hospitals providing in-patient services to patients being treated privately by a consultant.
The deferral of the implementation date to 1 January 2014 allows time to carry out an independent assessment of private patient activity, to ensure that the new charges raise only the intended €30 million in 2014. This assessment is currently underway. If it is necessary, I will amend the rates by amending legislation to deliver the €30 million.
